Best time to surf in Brazil
April to June, August for intermediate surfers, April to June for beginners, and September for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 195 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 27 °C | Rio de Janeiro |
| February | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0.8–1.2 m | 28 °C | Rio de Janeiro |
| March | 2 | 9 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 27 °C | São Paulo |
| April | 4 | 10 | 2 | 1–1.4 m | 27 °C | São Paulo |
| May | 6 | 13 | 3 | 1–1.4 m | 25 °C | São Paulo |
| June | 5 | 13 | 2 | 0.9–1.3 m | 24 °C | Rio de Janeiro |
| July | 4 | 9 | 1 | 1–1.4 m | 22 °C | Rio de Janeiro |
| August | 4 | 8 | 3 | 1–1.4 m | 23 °C | São Paulo |
| September | 3 | 8 | 2 | 1–1.6 m | 23 °C | São Paulo |
| October | 1 | 7 | 0 | 1–1.4 m | 24 °C | São Paulo |
| November | 2 | 6 | 1 | 1–1.4 m | 25 °C | São Paulo |
| December | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1–1.4 m | 26 °C | São Paulo |
Days per month at the best third of the spots for each level, rated the way the app rates them. Model data, not observations. Method.
By region
| Region | Intermediate | Beginners | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Catarina | April to May, August | May | 17–27 °C |
| Rio de Janeiro | May to July | June | 22–27 °C |
| São Paulo | April to June, August to September | April to June, September | 21–30 °C |
| Bahia | May to July | May to July | 26–29 °C |
| Espírito Santo | April to June | May to June | 24–27 °C |
| Pernambuco | January to February | February | 27–30 °C |
| Ceará | February | January to March | 28–30 °C |
| Rio Grande do Norte | July | few beginner days | 27–30 °C |
| Paraná | September | few beginner days | 19–29 °C |
| Alagoas | May to June | few beginner days | 27–30 °C |
| Rio Grande do Sul | April to May, August | May | 15–26 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Brazil?
May, with about 6 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is April to June, August.
When is the best time to surf in Brazil for beginners?
April to June, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Brazil?
September has the biggest typical surf (about 1–1.6 m at the spots we follow). That is the season for experienced surfers.
Can you surf in Brazil in summer?
Yes: June to August still bring about 4 good days a month for intermediate surfers.
How warm is the water in Brazil?
About 22 °C in July (Springsuit 2 mm or vest) to 28 °C in February (Boardshorts / rash vest).
More: all surf spots in Brazil · best spots for beginners · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.